9 Best Cycling Shoes to Ride Winding Roads or Rocky Trails

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A dedicated pair of cycling shoes can make all the difference when biking, as improved pedal-to-shoe contact reduces energy expenditure and makes you feel connected to the bike. Strap into these top-rated cycling shoes the next time you head out for a ride, whether it's a long, winding road or a rugged mountain trail.

Tired of trying to bike in your running shoes? Strap these on for a much more comfortable and supportive fit. The outsole is a blend of nylon and rubber, so not only does it give you better grip on the pedal and when walking on loose rocks, it's also super durable.

Gung-ho backcountry bikers love this all-mountain shoe that is just as surefooted on the bike as it is hiking the trail. A ratchet-style buckle lets you dial in a precise fit, and inspires confidence when pedaling, while the lugged rubber outsole offers unparalleled traction and durability off-the-bike.

Boa's dial system has successfully made the jump from helmets and snowboard boots to bike shoes, allowing you to get an incredibly snug fit with even pressure distribution. These shoes are lightweight and comfortable for training rides, and they're plenty aggressive for race-day charging.

With a women-specific design and a carbon composite sole, these trusty shoes from an industry-leading brand deliver performance and comfort. A reinforced external heel cup maximizes power transfer from your feet to the pedals, so there's less wasted energy. And when you get to your destination, swap out the replaceable polyurethane heel pad to make walking a little less awkward.

Who knew that you only need one cycling shoe for both commuting and weekends in the mountains? This shoe has a flexible outsole that hugs the pedal and won't make you look like a total buffoon while trying to walk from the bike rack up to the office. Meanwhile, a ventilation system keeps your feet cool and dry.

Are you finally making the switch to clip pedals? These shoes from Giro are the perfect first pair of clip shoes. The uppers are made of a soft synthetic that adjusts easily to fit snugly. The universal mount works for both two- and three-bolt pedal systems. And an antimicrobial footbed keeps these shoes from smelling like a high school boys' locker room.

When training and racing in triathlons, you can't skimp on footwear. These shoes are the affordable, non-carbon version of one of Pearl Izumi's most-coveted shoes. They're lightweight, have built-in longitudinal arch support, have a full mesh liner for ventilation, and boast straps that are geared at reducing time spent in the transition area.

Whether you're cruising laps through the downhill park or embarking on a long mission through the backcountry, these comfy shoes will do the trick. The outsoles deliver maximum pedal-to-shoe contact, so you'll have supreme control, no matter how fast you're riding or how high you're flying.

Save room in your cycling budget for component upgrades by riding with these affordable yet capable shoes. The ratcheting buckle with two hook-and-loop straps allows you to customize the fit and will eliminate painful pressure points, so you'll be ready to log more miles with each ride.

Andrew BettlachAndrew has been contributing to the outdoors and fitness content on BestProducts.com for over two years; he's a nature lover, peak-bagger, skier, and general good-time haver who lives in Colorado, knows where all the fresh snow is, and what gear you should be wearing for staying warm or looking fresh.